Education

Research Description

Dr. Kim's research interests are in pavement design and rehabilitation, bituminous materials, pavement preservation, nondestructive evaluation of pavements, and performance modeling.

Honors and Awards

• Kimley-Horn Faculty Award, 1992
• Walter J. Emmons Best Paper Award by the Association of Asphalt Paving Technologists , 1997
• The ALCOA Foundation Engineering Research Achievement Award , 1998
• Distinguished Research Fellowship by the Korean Science and Engineering Foundation , 2003
• Special Contribution Appreciation Award by the Korean Society of Pavement Engineers , 2004
• Walter J. Emmons Best Paper Award by the Association of Asphalt Paving Technologists , 2006
• Walter J. Emmons Best Paper Award by the Association of Asphalt Paving Technologists , 2009
• Elected Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers , 2011
• Alumni Association Distinguished Graduate Professorship Award , 2012
• Distinguished Alumni Award, Civil Engineering Department, Seoul National University, Korea , 2014
• Alumni Association Outstanding Research Award , 2014
• The ALCOA Foundation Distinguished Engineering Research Award , 2015
• Elected Fellow of the Korean Academy of Science and Technology, 2015
• Elected inaugural member of the Research Leadership Academy at NC State University , 2016
• Changjiang Scholar Award by the Ministry of Education, China, 2016
• The R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company Award for Excellence in Teaching, Research, and Extension, 2018
• Alexander Quarles Holladay Medal for Excellence Award , 2019

Publications

COVID-19, Uncertainty, and the Need for Resilience-Based Thinking in Pavement Engineering

Gulzar, S., Richard Kim, Y., Castorena, C., & Shane Underwood, B. (2021), JOURNAL OF TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING PART B-PAVEMENTS. https://doi.org/10.1061/JPEODX.0000235

Determination of Dynamic Modulus Master Curve of Damaged Asphalt Pavements for Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Rehabilitation Design

Zeng, Z., Lee, K., & Kim, Y. R. (2021, February 28), TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH RECORD. https://doi.org/10.1177/0361198121996708

Development of framework of the predictive performance-engineered mix design procedure for asphalt mixtures

Wang, Y. D., Ghanbari, A., Underwood, B. S., & Kim, Y. R. (2021, June 9), INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PAVEMENT ENGINEERING. https://doi.org/10.1080/10298436.2021.1938044

Development of healing model and simplified characterization test procedure for asphalt concrete

Ashouri, M., Wang, Y., Choi, Y.-T., & Kim, Y. (2021), CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS, 271. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.121515

Development of preliminary transfer functions for performance predictions in FIexPAVE (TM)

Wang, Y. D., Ghanbari, A., Underwood, B. S., & Kim, Y. R. (2021), CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS, 266. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.121182

Effects of Aging on Pavement ME Predictions of Permanent Deformation for HMA and WMA Mixtures

Wang, Y. D., & Kim, Y. R. (2021), JOURNAL OF TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING PART B-PAVEMENTS. https://doi.org/10.1061/JPEODX.0000319

Effects of bamboo fiber on the mechanical properties of asphalt mixtures

Jia, H., Sheng, Y., Lv, H., Kim, Y. R., Zhao, X., Meng, J., & Xiong, R. (2021), CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.123196

Investigation into fatigue life of interface bond between asphalt concrete layers

Ragni, D., Sudarsanan, N., Canestrari, F., & Kim, Y. R. (2021), INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PAVEMENT ENGINEERING. https://doi.org/10.1080/10298436.2021.1894420

Predicting Thermal Stress Restrained Specimen Test Fracture Temperatures Using the Dissipated Pseudo Strain Energy Criterion

Keshavarzi, B., Mocelin, D., & Kim, Y. R. (2021), JOURNAL OF TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING PART B-PAVEMENTS. https://doi.org/10.1061/JPEODX.0000236

Refinement of Climate-, Depth-, and Time-Based Laboratory Aging Procedure for Asphalt Mixtures

Braswell, E., Saleh, N. F., Elwardany, M., Yousefi Rad, F., Castorena, C., Underwood, B. S., & Kim, Y. R. (2021), TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH RECORD, 2675(2), 207–218. https://doi.org/10.1177/0361198120957316

View all publications via NC State Libraries

Grants

BMD+ and PEM+ Advances Mixture Performance Comparison and Next Generation Pavement Design

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)(11/11/21 - 5/29/23)

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BMD+ and PEM+ Advances Mixture Performance Comparison and Next Generation Pavement Design

Sponsor: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

Start Date: 11/11/21

End Date: 5/29/23

Abstract

The objective of this task order is the continued advancement of the performance specification continuum for BMD+ and mechanistic pavement design. Advancement of efforts will be accomplished by the following tasks: 1. Development of Level 1 BMD+ methods and threshold values for Level 2 BMD index parameters (Sapp and RSI) 2. Performance testing for transfer functions to support BMD+ and advanced pavement design 3. Comparison of BMD and BMD+ testing for mixture performance comparisons and analysis 4. Advance in a collaborative approach for FlexPAVE pavement design methods 5. BMD+ training and parallel field construction projects 6. Interim stakeholders status meeting 7. Create a system of tools including guidelines and sample specifications for agencies to transition from their traditional standard specifications to BMD+ specifications using performance tests and advanced mechanistic pavement design

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Performance Evaluation of HWY-2017-29 Project Asphalt Mixtures and Pavement

NC Department of Transportation(8/01/21 - 7/31/23)

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Performance Evaluation of HWY-2017-29 Project Asphalt Mixtures and Pavement

Sponsor: NC Department of Transportation

Start Date: 8/01/21

End Date: 7/31/23

Abstract

This proposed research plan aims to complete the Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT) tests and performance analysis that were started in the HWY-2017-29 project, evaluate the effects of construction variability on pavement performance using the AMPT tests, IDEAL-CT, and Hamburg wheel-tracking (HWT) test, and verify and potentially improve the acceptance limits and pay factor formulas in the NCDOT’s Quality Management System (QMS) manual.

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Modifying Existing Asphalt Mix Design Procedures for RAP/RAS Surface Mixtures

NC Department of Transportation(1/01/21 - 12/31/22)

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Modifying Existing Asphalt Mix Design Procedures for RAP/RAS Surface Mixtures

Sponsor: NC Department of Transportation

Start Date: 1/01/21

End Date: 12/31/22

Abstract

The use of high Recycled Binder Replacement Percentages (RBRs%) in asphalt surface mixtures is increasing. The asphalt binders in recycled materials are generally hardened and embrittled from oxidization and may not fully mobilize and blend with virgin materials. Consequently, high recycled content mixtures may be prone to cracking if appropriate measures to consider this effect are not taken during the mixture design process. The objectives of the proposed research project are to: (1) modify the NCDOT’s procedures for the design of surface mixtures containing RAP and RAS to improve performance and (2) modify the NCDOT’s specifications to improve the consistency within and across RAP and RAS stockpiles within North Carolina. 1. To achieve these objectives, an operational review will be conducted to identify how contractors process, stockpile, characterize and use RAP and RAS under the current NCDOT guidelines. In addition, relationships between asphalt content and performance will be developed for recycled mixtures sourced from North Carolina. These relationships will be used to identify the maximum virgin binder content allowable and to maximize cracking performance without having the rutting performance fall below a critical performance threshold for each mixture. The collective results will be used to identify appropriate revisions to the NCDOT’s current recycled mixture design procedure to ensure reliable performance. The research results will lead improved specifications that will facilitate the design of better-performing surface mixtures containing recycled materials. These specifications will improve the durability of NCDOT pavements and consequently decrease life-cycle costs.

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Asphalt Pavement Reflective Cracking Model to Better Address Rehabilitation

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)(9/27/21 - 7/26/23)

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Asphalt Pavement Reflective Cracking Model to Better Address Rehabilitation

Sponsor: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

Start Date: 9/27/21

End Date: 7/26/23

Abstract

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has developed mechanistically based performance comparison models to evaluate the cracking and rutting performance of asphalt pavement mixtures. These models form the basis of an asphalt performance comparison development effort and are being implemented into a FlexPAVETM software program for analyzing pavements and predicting distress. In this research study, NCSU will assess current asphalt pavement cracking models that can be applied to reflective cracking and further research, develop, calibrate, train, and validate a mechanistically based asphalt pavement reflective cracking model that is consistent with existing FlexPAVETM methodology and performance tests; incorporate it into the FlexPAVETM software and the FlexMATTM and FlexMIXTM data analysis tools, and assess and incorporate run time improvements to the model, software, and analysis tools.

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Seasonal Effects due to Moisture Variation and Investigation of Cyclic Fatigue Temperature and End Failure on Pavement Performance

US Dept. of Transportation (DOT)(8/12/20 - 4/10/22)

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Seasonal Effects due to Moisture Variation and Investigation of Cyclic Fatigue Temperature and End Failure on Pavement Performance

Sponsor: US Dept. of Transportation (DOT)

Start Date: 8/12/20

End Date: 4/10/22

Abstract

In this research study, NCSU will conduct experiments and analysis to improve the AASHTO TP 133 protocol by incorporating more scientifically based temperature selection guide and providing guidance on the maximum air void content for specimens that are subjected to this standard test method. In addition, NCSU will update the FlexPAVETM software to incorporate seasonal effects into the base layer and the user guides for improved usability. This research supports ongoing FHWA efforts as part of a performance-related specification framework which seeks to increase pavement life through fundamental testing and predictive relationships. Recent developments in these performance tests, adoption of standards, FlexMATTM, FlexMIXTM, and FlexPAVETM provide highway agencies and asphalt paving community with a unique opportunity to use performance tests and mechanistic models for asphalt PEMD, asphalt pavement design, and performance related specifications to integrate these different phases in pavement construction using the same test methods and mechanistic principles. These tools help link material characteristics from testing with mechanistic models to predict performance; and ultimately identify how to best design, construct, and accept a pavement. NCSU will carry out the following tasks. Task 1 – Develop final research plans and project schedule – The proposed plan will be revised based on feedback from the FHWA. Task 2 – Kickoff meeting – NCSU will meet with the project panel to review the statement of work and work plans. Task 3 – Perform work plan and document efforts – NCSU will carry out the approved work plan by following the appropriate ASTM standard test methods to develop a rugged test method. Task 4 – Draft Final Revised FlexPAVETM Software, Installation, and User Guides – NCSU will update the user interface, installation guide, and user guide for the FlexPAVETM software. Task 5 –Presentation and webinar – NCSU will present their findings to targeted stakeholders. Task 6 – Publication ready final deliverables – the reports will be revised and finalized and AASHTO standards will be revised into a final form.

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Field Evaluation of Interlayer-Reinforced Asphalt Overlay Performance

NC Department of Transportation(1/01/21 - 12/31/22)

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Field Evaluation of Interlayer-Reinforced Asphalt Overlay Performance

Sponsor: NC Department of Transportation

Start Date: 1/01/21

End Date: 12/31/22

Abstract

This proposed research plan supports the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Division 5 Maintenance field study of geosynthetic pavement interlayer performance. It includes designing and orchestrating field experiments with NCDOT engineers, performing laboratory tests using samples obtained from field test sections, analyzing the test results to assess the performance of different interlayer products, and verifying/calibrating/refining the recommendations that are based on laboratory tests of different interlayer systems conducted in previous and ongoing NCDOT projects. The research plan is designed to use the test procedures employed in the ongoing NCDOT project, RP 2019-19 Development of Geosynthetic Pavement Interlayer Improvements, which focuses on the laboratory evaluation of various geosynthetic interlayer products, including their resistance to reflective cracking and debonding failure. The candidate roadway for this proposed field study is NC 96 in Youngsville, Franklin County between Jack Jones Road in Wake Forest and Oak Grove Church Road in Youngsville. Geosynthetic interlayers that are included in the RP 2019-19 project will be installed prior to construction of the asphalt overlay. These geosynthetic product types are HaTelit G50 paving composite interlayer by Heusker, Mirafi MPG100 paving composite interlayer by Tencate, Tensar GlasPave 50 geotextile paving mat interlayer, GlasGrid 8511 (25 mm) paving grid interlayer by Tensar, and Petromat 4598 paving fabric interlayer by Propex/Tencate. In addition, chip seal and FiberMat Type B interlayers will be included in the experimental design for the field study as well as a control section with no interlayer. The location of the project will be selected to avoid a significant grade and major intersections. Cracks in the existing pavement will be mapped before placement of the interlayers. The tack coat application rates will follow the geosynthetic manufacturers’ recommendations. The pavement conditions will be monitored by the North Carolina State University research team until the end of this proposed project and then by NCDOT personnel after this project is completed. Two 18-inch diameter cores will be taken from the center of the lane in each test section using the specially designed coring and sample extraction methods. Each core will produce two beam specimens and four 100-mm diameter cylindrical specimens. In addition, the asphalt mixtures, interlayer products, and tack coat materials used in the construction will be obtained from the field for the laboratory fabrication of performance test specimens. Shear strength tests and four-point bending notched beam fatigue tests will be conducted using both the field and laboratory-fabricated specimens to evaluate the debonding and reflective cracking mitigation potential of the different interlayer systems, respectively. The shear strength and reflective cracking performance of the specimens will be compared between the specimens obtained from the field cores and laboratory-fabricated specimens in the proposed study and the laboratory-fabricated specimens tested in the RP 2019-19 project. Pavement condition survey data and the performance test results will be used to verify/calibrate the results obtained from the NCDOT RP 2019-19 project. The experience gathered from the field construction of the geosynthetic interlayers will be used to develop construction guidelines for the different geosynthetic interlayer products. This research will also produce field-verified performance thresholds and project selection guidelines and long-term condition survey guidelines for interlayer-reinforced asphalt overlays. These products will be used to incorporate best practice techniques in the effort to make informed decisions when using interlayers as a maintenance application in the State of North Carolina.

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TFRS 01: Quality Assurance (QA) Aspects of Performance Related Specifications (PRS)

National Academy of Sciences(4/15/20 - 8/13/22)

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TFRS 01: Quality Assurance (QA) Aspects of Performance Related Specifications (PRS)

Sponsor: National Academy of Sciences

Start Date: 4/15/20

End Date: 8/13/22

Abstract

The objective of this research is to develop guidance to integrate the performance predictive capabilities of the PASSFlexTM software and its suite of tools (FlexPAVETM version 2.0, FlexMATTM, and FlexMIXTM) within a statistically sound QA system in a PRS framework. The research shall address: (a) the use of the cyclic fatigue Sapp and SSR allowable traffic for rutting (ATR) index test parameters, index thresholds, and acceptance limits in support of performance engineered mixture design (PEMD) approaches and to facilitate further implementation of the tests and performance predictions, (b) material selection and mixture design changes that can impact the test results (cyclic fatigue, SSR, and their index parameters) and trends associated with owner agency specified performance thresholds, and (c) the major elements of a QA system (per TRB E-Circular 235, Glossary of Transportation Construction Quality Assurance Terms (http://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/circulars/ec235.pdf) and associated buyer/seller and payment risks.

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Ruggedness and Interlaboratory Studies for Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT) Small Scale Dynamic Modulus

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)(3/11/20 - 8/23/22)

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Ruggedness and Interlaboratory Studies for Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT) Small Scale Dynamic Modulus

Sponsor: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

Start Date: 3/11/20

End Date: 8/23/22

Abstract

In this research study, NCSU will design, conduct, and provide recommendations relating to a two-phase ruggedness and interlaboratory study on a test method that has been identified as critical to asphalt pavement performance and design practice. AASHTO TP 132 (2019) Standard Method of Test for Determining the Dynamic Modulus for Asphalt Mixtures Using Small Specimens in the Asphalt Mixture Performance Tester (AMPT) has been developed, refined, and recently published as an AASHTO provisional standard; a statistically sound refinement procedure is needed to facilitate widespread adoption and implementation. Not only can this standard be used to obtain inputs to the AASHTO PavementME pavement structural analysis software, the standard is being used in ongoing FHWA efforts as part of a performance-related specification framework which seeks to increase pavement life through fundamental testing and predictive relationships. AASHTO TP 132 is of interest because of its fundamental nature, determination via the AMPT standardized equipment, and its ability to model and predict material performance over a wide range of loading and climate conditions a pavement may experience; resulting in better performing, safe, quiet, durable, long lasting asphalt roadways. Additionally, a draft practice for preparing small-scale specimens has been developed and published as AASHTO PP 99 (2019) Standard Method of Practice for Preparation of Small Cylindrical Performance Test Specimens Using the Superpave Gyratory Compactor (SGC) and Field Cores. This draft practice is of significant interest to the asphalt materials community due to anticipated materials, time, and cost savings associated with preparing and evaluating smaller performance test. NCSU will carry out the following tasks. Task 1 – Develop final research plans and project schedule – The proposed plan will be revised based on feedback from the FHWA. Task 2 – Kickoff meeting – NCSU will meet with the project panel to review the statement of work and work plans. Task 3 – Perform work plan and document efforts – NCSU will carry out the approved work plan by following the appropriate ASTM standard test methods to develop a rugged test method. Task 4 – Ruggedness study presentations and webinar – NCSU will present the findings to targeted stakeholders. Task 5 – Publication ready final deliverables – the AASHTO standards will be revised into a final form. Task 6 – Revise work ILS work plan – NCSU will revise the original work plan from Task 1 based on findings from Tasks 3-5 for conducting the ILS study. Task 7 – Perform work plan and document efforts – NCSU will coordinate the ILS according to the approved work plan. This will include identifying participants, sending materials, and analyzing their results statistically. Task 8 – ILS study presentation and webinar – NCSU will present their findings to targeted stakeholders. Task 9 – Publication ready final deliverables – the AASHTO standards revised in Task 5 will be modified to include repeatability and reproducibility statements.

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TOPR for Performance Related Specifications Advances Quality Assurance for Pavements

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)(8/02/18 - 8/01/20)

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TOPR for Performance Related Specifications Advances Quality Assurance for Pavements

Sponsor: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

Start Date: 8/02/18

End Date: 8/01/20

Abstract

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has fully supported Quality Assurance (QA) and advancing components of QA for many years. One of those components is Performance-Related Specifications (PRS). As the PRS efforts have advanced additional needs have been identified in order to complete an further advance the research further. This project will serve to further develop, improve, and validate the developed relationships for the PRS. A number of tasks will be completed in order to meet the following specific objectives: • Development of Level 1 Performance Engineered Mix Design (PEMD) method and threshold values for Level 2 PEMD index parameters • Performance testing for transfer functions to support PEMD for PRS • Comparison of Balance Mix Design (BMD) and PEMD testing for PRS • Advance in a collaborative approach for FLEXPave™ PRS models utilizing existing calibrations for AASHTOware Pavement ME™. • PRS training and shadow projects. • Coordination with existing PRS research for the development of a comprehensive written marketing plan. • Interim stakeholders PRS Status Meeting. • Under this task, the team shall create a system of tools including guidelines and sample specifications for agencies to transition from the traditional QA standard specifications to standard PRS.

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Development of Geosynthetic Pavement Interlayer Improvements

NC Department of Transportation(8/01/18 - 5/31/21)

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Development of Geosynthetic Pavement Interlayer Improvements

Sponsor: NC Department of Transportation

Start Date: 8/01/18

End Date: 5/31/21

Abstract

Although geosynthetics have been used in paving applications for well over fifty years, one area of critical need in North Carolina is the standardization of the materials themselves and their applications for actual pavements. The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) has been working with the Geosynthetic Materials Association (GMA) to develop a Special Provision for an improved geosynthetic pavement interlayer material and a distress chart to provide useful data for product selection. The main goal of this effort is to ensure that NCDOT engineers can choose appropriate geosynthetic pavement interlayer products for a specific application based on performance data. As part of this effort, the GMA has recently developed five standard categories of geosynthetic materials for pavement applications. Although these categories provide the NCDOT with a good foundation to build the Special Provision and the distress chart, further research is needed to identify a list of properties and performance criteria that products must meet in order to perform adequately for their intended function.

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